IGIHE

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  • North Korea heralds 60th anniversary of war ‘victory’

    {{North Korea celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Korean War truce on Saturday with a massive military parade trumpeting the revolutionary genius of three generations of leaders that gave it “Victory in the Great Fatherland Liberation War”.}}

    Leader Kim Jong-un was joined by Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao on the podium overlooking Pyongyang’s main Kim Il Sung square to inspect a massive throng of soldiers in goosestep and a display of weapons including its mid-range missiles.

    Kim clad in black exchanged words with Li through an interpreter but did not make public remarks at the parade, which appeared to be one of the largest ever put on by the North.

    Choe Ryong-hae, Kim’s main military aide and the chief political operative of the North’s 1.2-million-strong army, said the reclusive state sees peace as a top national priority and its military was aimed at safeguarding North Korea from invasion.

    “Reality shows if peace is sought, there must be preparations for war,” Choe said in a speech. “For us with our utmost task of building an economy and improving the lives of the people, a peaceful environment is greater than ever.”

    The remarks were moderate in tone, without the bellicose rhetoric that routinely fills the North’s public commentary, and Choe did not mention the country’s nuclear arms program or name the United States as its chief enemy.

    Kim and Li, along with the North’s top military officials and the youthful leader’s uncle Jang Song-thaek, seen as North Korea’s second most powerful man, watched as a missile arsenal paraded past, including the newly developed mid-range Musudan.

    Fighter jets and large military helicopters flew over the square packed with tens of thousands of soldiers, North Korean and foreign veterans of the Korean War and diplomats.

    A military expert in Seoul said the parade appeared to feature weapons previously unseen in North, including new surface-to-air missiles that are used for anti-missile defense.

    reuters

  • Egyptian Army Shoots Dead Dozens of pro-Mursi Supporters

    {{Egyptian security forces shot dead at least 70 supporters of ousted President Mohamed Mursi on Saturday, his Muslim Brotherhood said, days after the army chief called for a popular mandate to tackle “violence and terrorism”.}}

    Brotherhood spokesman Gehad El-Haddad said the shooting started shortly before pre-dawn morning prayers on the fringes of a round-the-clock sit-in being staged by backers of Mursi, who was toppled by the army more than three weeks ago.

    “They are not shooting to wound, they are shooting to kill,” Haddad said. The death toll might be much higher, he said.

    Activists rushed blood-spattered casualties into a makeshift hospital, some were carried in on planks or blankets. One ashen teenager was laid out on the floor, a bullet hole in his head.

    Al Jazeera’s Egypt television station reported that 120 had been killed and some 4,500 injured in the early morning violence. Journalists at the scene counted 36 bodies at an improvised morgue.

    There was no immediate comment from state authorities on what had happened. If the death toll is confirmed it would be the deadliest incident since Mursi was deposed, who is under investigation for a raft of crimes, including murder.

    Weeks of violence have followed his ousting, leaving more than 200 dead and laying bare divisions that have polarized the Arab world’s most populous state.

    agencies

  • COMESA signs private sector deal with AMSCO

    {{The private sector across the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) is set for a major boost following the signing of a development agreement between the regional economic community and the African Management Services Company (AMSCO).}}

    The bloc’s secretary general Sindiso Ngwenya and AMSCO regional manager Abraham Lanor signed the deal on behalf of their institutions on 18 July 2013 in Zambian capital Lusaka (pictured).

    AMSCO committed itself to providing training programmes to strengthen project support for private sector development across the COMESA member states.

    AMSCO is a special purpose vehicle established by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in the Netherlands, with the aim of serving as the operational unit of African Training and Management Services (ATMS) projects.

    Lanor said his organisation was pleased to sign the agreement with COMESA as it would provide a platform for it to support economic development through the private sector.

    “We have been waiting for this opportunity for some time. This agreement now makes it possible for us to get close to regional economic communities that have the mandate to promote regional integration through private sector driven economic development,” he pointed out.

    Ngwenya cited numerous challenges that COMESA faced in the development of the private sector, including the lack of support to programmes and projects being undertaken by private sector in member countries.

    Ngwenya remarked, “There is an apparent lack of skills among entrepreneurs in SMEs and this has adversely affected the achievement of the standards that the market requires.”

    “The signing of the agreement marks an important step towards support for the private sector which COMESA undertakes key programmes in the region such as the leather and leather products, textile and garments and the agro processing sector,” he added.

    {Africanreview}

  • Police Intercepts 160 Sachets of Illicit Gin

    {{Police in Bugesera and Ngoma districts intercepted about 160 sachets of the illegal gin – chief waragi – and arrested two people in connection with the act.}}

    The suspects are identified as Emmanuel Hakizimana, who was arrested in Ruhuha sector in Bugesera with 132 sachets and Beathe Uwimana who was intercepted in Karenge cell of Kibungo sector in Ngoma, with 27 sachets of the illegal gin.

    Hakizimana and Uwimana are currently detained at Ruhuha and Kibungo police stations respectively.

    The seized gin is listed among psychotropic substances in Rwanda.

    The law governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors in Rwanda, in its article 24, states that “any drink that exceeds forty five percent of alcohol and any other drink which doesn’t have the required quality for consumption shall be considered as narcotic drug.”

    Article 594 of the Rwandan penal code also states that any person who, unlawfully, makes, transforms, imports, or sell narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances within the country, shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of three to five years and a fine of Rwf 50,000 to Rwf 5 million.

    Superintendent Emmanuel Karuranga, the Eastern Province spokesperson said Rwanda National Police devised concrete strategies to fight drug trade and consumption.

    “We are very much committed to fight and prevent anything that may put lives of people living in Rwanda, in danger,” he stated.

    He appealed to citizens, especially community policing committees, to strengthen their patrols and exchange of information to end this vice which is rated high among the youth.

    RNP

  • Many Pregnant Women not Seeking Antenatal Services

    {{The State Minister in-charge of Public Health and Primary Healthcare has said a few expectant mothers seek antenatal services from health care facilities.}}

    Dr Anita Asiimwe made the observation Thursday during a scientific conference organised by the Rwanda Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists.

    She said, “Although a lot has been achieved in Rwanda with regard to maternal health, we are still not content with the current maternal mortality rate; it remains very high.”

    Dr. Asiimwe noted that about 67% of child mortality happen during the neonatal period, according to the minister.

    The minister said that although traditional medicine had done a great job, there was still need to educate women and have them receive better services from proper health facilities.

    She urged obstetrics and gynaecologists in the country to carry out outreaches in areas without health providers.

    Dr Eugene Ngoga, the president of the Rwanda Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists, said that there are only 30 specialists in Rwanda which constitutes a huge challenge.

    Dr. Anita Asiimwe/Newtimes Photo

  • Couple Stuck together in Nairobi Hotel

    Drama unfolded at a downtown city hotel on Friday, after reports went round that lovers were ‘stuck’ together.

    A huge crowd gathered outside the hotel on Ronald Ngala Street as police and the management sought ways of resolving the ‘problem.’

    “We have been told there is a couple stuck together in this hotel, but they have refused to let us in,” a witness said. “We want to see what is happening.”

    Nairobi Central police chief Patrick Oduma when reached for comment said “we have been informed of the incident and we are headed there to establish what exactly is happening.”

  • Minister Mushikiwabo’s Statement on DRC

    Secretary Kerry, Honourable Ministers, Excellencies and Distinguished Delegates,

    Let me begin by thanking the US and Secretary Kerry for convening this most important debate in support of the Peace, Security and Cooperation (PSC) Framework and for the Presidential Statement just adopted.

    Allow me also to thank the Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon for his statement as well as the World Bank President, Dr. Jim Yong Kim, and Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region of Africa, Mary Robinson for their valued contributions and briefings.

    Taken together, their extraordinary efforts, exhausting travel schedules and financial commitments to regional development priorities amply demonstrate their sincere commitment to the Peace, Security, and Cooperation Framework – a visionary, comprehensive and inclusive strategy to end decades of conflict and instability in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. I also thank AU Commissioner Ramtane Lamamra for his revealing briefing on regional efforts undertaken towards finding peace in the Great Lakes Region.

    Let me also acknowledge the presence of Honourable Ministers from countries of the region and from fellow Council members.

    Rwanda warmly welcomes the new Special Envoy of the US to the Great Lakes Region and the new SRSG and Force Commander of MONUSCO. Together, with Special Envoy, Mary Robison, I wish to assure you of Rwanda’s total collaboration.

    Mr. President,

    Rwanda is very pleased and supports the Presidential Statement; we nonetheless believe it could have been strengthened by including ongoing regional efforts, particularly in support of the Kampala peace talks established under the auspices of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region.

    Indeed, we urge the UN’s Special Envoy, Mary Robinson, to play an active part in seeing through the Kampala talks without much further delay. Her engagement would be a welcome and helpful contribution.

    We have gathered today out of a shared determination to make peace in the Great Lakes Region a lasting reality. Having endured devastating conflict within our own borders nearly two decades ago, the people of Rwanda have worked tirelessly to rebuild a peaceful and thriving nation but we are also very aware that our destiny is inextricably tied to that of our neighbors.

    Let me put it in the clearest possible terms: in order to secure long-term peace and prosperity for Rwanda into the future, we need a peaceful and prosperous DRC. As long as conditions persist that allow more than thirty rebel groups to roam in Eastern DRC with impunity – or as long as men and boys see nothing in their futures beyond crime, violence and conflict – such a transformation will remain beyond reach.

    The Framework of Hope, along with regional peace efforts, opens the door to that kind of profound and necessary change. Rwanda is eager to do its part and live up to its commitments – as a neighbour and a regional partner, as well as through the Framework agreement.

    Allow me to lay out some concrete actions of my government has taken so far:

    We have disarmed, interned and relocated away from the DRC border more than 600 M23 combatants who crossed into Rwanda as a result of infighting in March 2013. In his report dated June 28th, the Secretary-General commended Rwanda for the positive role it played in disarming Bosco Ntaganda’s troops.

    We have asked the United Nations to take responsibility for these combatants. It is important to note that Rwanda cannot bear this burden alone. We invite the international community to devise and implement a long-term solution for this group of former combatants.

    Rwanda has also worked with the UN to accommodate roughly 70,000 Congolese nationals who have sought refuge in Rwanda, and to take the necessary steps to ensure their safe return home as soon as possible.

    In addition, as the Secretary General mentioned in his report on the implementation of the PSC Framework, the Government of Rwanda reported the presence of several high-ranking M23 members who crossed the border from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to seek refuge in Rwanda, including UN Sanctioned individuals.

    When M23 leader General Bosco Ntaganda surrendered to the U.S. Embassy in Kigali on March 18th, Rwandan authorities offered facilitation for his transfer to The Hague.

    We can all agree that the economic components of the Framework must be implemented alongside its political and security aspects. To that end, Rwanda is working to boost regional cooperation through enhanced economic integration and close collaboration in cross-border trade.

    Just last month, Rwanda mining authorities seized 8.4 metric tonnes of smuggled minerals and are in the process of returning them to DRC authorities, as has been our practice in the past.

    We are also exploring several other opportunities for economic cooperation including a strategic bilateral project with the DRC on Lake Kivu.

    Finally, Rwanda supported and has been facilitating the deployment of the Intervention Brigade. We did so because we believe that it could help pacify the region, and serve as a deterrent thereby allow MONUSCO to carry out its Protection of Civilians responsibility and, critically, create the space necessary to implement the Peace and Security Framework as well as for regional peace efforts.

    Mr. President,

    But as Special Envoy Mary Robinson has stressed in the past, the Framework is a shared endeavour and its success depends on each party living up to their respective commitments.

    Rwanda is one of the eleven countries who make up the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism (EJVM), by which developments in conflict-affected areas are examined thoroughly and with transparency and accountability.

    We therefore urge the Security Council to attach value to the work of the EJVM, and for their findings to inform the decisions we reach and resolutions we agree to.

    On the recent FDLR-FARDC collusion, Rwanda remains seriously concerned. The Security Council received a letter (document S/2013/402) from my Government with details, so I will not repeat the specifics today.

    Nevertheless, Rwanda requests concerned parties to halt any further threats to its territory and its population such as the recent bombing into Rubavu district from the DRC territory. Nor can the peace process withstand destructive military alliances.

    While Rwanda views any alliance between the FDLR and FARDC as a threat to regional security, we will not allow these disturbing developments to derail our commitment to peace.

    Mr. President,

    I cannot stress enough Rwanda’s goodwill and ongoing support for the Peace, Security, and Cooperation Framework. We believe it offers a realistic path to lasting peace and security for the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Great Lakes region at large.

    But we must not veer off course, and we must understand that this vision is only achievable alongside regional peace initiatives, as well as genuine political will on the part of all affected states.

    Further, the international peacekeeping force in the DRC is forging unchartered territory with the deployment of an Intervention Brigade as well as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. UN peacekeepers must take great care to respect all relevant international laws, and adhere strictly to their mandate.

    Since the consequences of instability in the Eastern DRC fall so heavily on Rwanda, we are eager to take full advantage of this historic opportunity for peace and security and, despite the serious risks I have outlined, we can see early signs of progress.

    Mr. President,

    A plan without action is just words, and, when it comes to the eastern DRC, there have been enough words. There has been enough speechifying and report writing. And there has been more than enough grandstanding, especially by unaccountable actors who seek profit and publicity from the region’s misery. It is time for such forces to move aside. This is the time for accountable parties to stand up and step forward. Now is the time for action.

    Thank you.

  • Wheat Farmers Urged to Increase Production

    {{Wheat farmers have been urged to increase wheat production in the forthcoming season because there is a growing market for the crop.}}

    The remarks were made by the permanent Secretary in the minstry of Trade and industry Emmanuel Hategeka while meeting with wheat farmers in Gataraga and Remera sectors in Musanze district on Thursday.

    However, the farmers told Hategeka that the current long dry spell has affected wheat yield in this season but pleadged to increase their yields in the upcoming season.

    Wheat Industries including Bakhressa, Pembe and Sosoma are increasing absorbing large quantities of wheat in processing various products sold in Rwanda and the entire region.

  • Tsvangirai attacks resettled farmers

    {{Morgan Tsvangirai yesterday attacked resettled farmers, saying they were growing grass despite the fact that farmers raked in US$584 million in tobacco sales this year.}}

    Mr Tsvangirai, whose party has been against land reform, was addressing rallies in Hwedza, Chikomba and Mahusekwa where he also attacked women for easily being manipulated by “freebies” ahead of harmonised elections set for next Wednesday.

    In Mahusekwa, Mr Tsvangirai said his party was not against land reform although he went on to attack resettled farmers.

    “It is a lie that MDC is against the land reform . . . Makambopinda mumapurazi umu, mune rimwe zisora ririmo rinonzi mowa ndiro ravari kurima,” he said.

    However, 976 500 and 113 802 individuals have benefited from land reform under the A1 and A2 schemes creating 1,7 million jobs in the process from land that was monopolised by 4000 white farmers.

    Mr Tsvangirai said the resettled farmers were relying on food handouts from Government adding that his supporters were being denied food aid by Zanu-PF.

    He bragged that he had set up drip irrigation at his rural home in Buhera where he was producing more than 20 tonnes of maize.

    Mr Tsvangirai said with his two acres of drip irrigation, he was surpassing the harvests of about six villages in his rural home.

    He insisted that Zanu-PF was planning to rig the elections.

    Mr Tsvangirai also claimed that he won elections in 2002 and 2008 but Zanu-PF rigged the results.

    Turning to Government, Mr Tsvangirai took time promising to introduce free education in primary schools — a policy that was introduced by Zanu-PF in the early 1980s.

    As a result of Zanu-PF education policies, Zimbabwe is now the highest literate country in Africa.

    Mr Tsvangirai claimed that his party would work to improve lives of rural people through the provision of decent houses.

    He said MDC-T had policies such as JUICE which it wanted to implement once it gets into power.

    Addressing another rally at Masasa Business Centre in Chikomba, Mr Tsvangirai said women had a tendency of accepting anything.

    “Madzimai ndimi mune weakness yekuti chauya chese munongouchirira muchipuwa mafreebies,” he said.

    “Vamwe vacho ndimi munototi ngatiende tinoona kuti zviri kubva kupi?”

    At Zaire Business Centre in Hwedza, Mr Tsvangirai threatened people that they risk plunging back to the 2008 era if they voted Zanu-PF into power.

    He displayed a bunch of Zimbabwean dollars claiming that Zanu-PF wanted to return them soon.

    He angrily said Zanu-PF was dishing its regalia to everyone even to members of other political parties.

    {Herald}

  • IMF calls for Action to Solve Eurozone Crisis

    {{International Monetary Fund has called for more action to end the crisis in the eurozone.}}

    The IMF wants greater progress made on repairing the balance sheets of banks, so that lending can be kick-started.

    It also said that further cuts to interest rates by the European Central Bank may be necessary to boost growth.

    The IMF praised eurozone authorities for taking action to stabilise financial markets, which reduced the risk of a break-up of the euro.

    However, the IMF noted that despite the policy actions on many fronts, “growth remains elusive and high unemployment persists, especially among youth.”

    It predicted that the eurozone’s GDP will contract by 0.6% this year, before expanding by 0.9% in 2014.

    “Because policy space is limited, public debt ratios are very high (and still rising), and economic slack is already substantial, further negative shocks—domestic or external shocks—could severely impact growth,” the IMF said.

    It called for more reforms in the banking sector, including the re-capitalisation of weak, but viable banks, and the closure of “non-viable” banks.

    It also urged greater flexibility in the eurozone’s labour market, including the removal of barriers to protected professions.

    “Within countries, labour market reforms should continue to remove rigidities, raise participation, and, where necessary, promote more flexible bargaining arrangements,” the IMF said.

    Last month, the IMF called on France to lower its labour costs and halt tax hikes to boost both growth and its competitiveness.

    It expects French unemployment to continue to rise, despite French President Francois Hollande’s vow to reduce it by the end of the year.

    BBC